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Hong Kong’s Hidden Gems: The Top 11 Islands You Should Visit
Hong Kong may be known for its spirited city life, but beyond the urban wonders lies a treasure trove of hidden gems often unexplored by tourists.
In this article, we’ve curated a list of the top 11 islands in Hong Kong that you should visit to discover the city’s lesser-known wonders. Pack your bags, hop on a ferry, and get ready to explore the stunning islands Hong Kong has to offer. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
1. Peng Chau
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/DP8bWzPRquGhotsa6
First on our list is Peng Chau. It’s quite a small island, so it’s not talked about as much as it should.
Since it’s easy to go from one end of the island to another, people go around this island by walking or cycling. That makes it easy to explore for everyone.
Locals know Peng Chau as an island with a thriving fishing industry and beautiful temples. It’s an especially good place to visit for photographers.
The Fook Yuen Leather Factory is one of the spots you mustn’t miss when you go here. Fook Yuen Leather Factory is an abandoned-factory-turned-art-space. There are remnants of what it was in the old days, along with beautiful murals from the present day.
Pro tip:
To get to Peng Chau, you can ride the Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry. You can find this at Hong Kong Island on the Central Pier No.6.
2. Tung Ping Chau
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/wCQT2TJjCn72ZCvMA
Though many consider Tung Ping Chau as a hidden gem, it’s actually part of Hong Kong’s UNESCO Geopark.
Most go here to go sightseeing while hiking the trails – specifically to see the shale that has been around for around 55 million years. That said, you’d be surprised to know that it’s actually the youngest rock formation you can find in Hong Kong.
Pro tip:
An easy way to get to Tung Ping Chau is to take the kaito ferry service. If you’re coming from the heart of the city, you can take the MTR East rail first and alight at the University Station. Make sure to make your way to Exit B. You can eventually find your way to the ferry pier that will take you to Tung Ping Chau.
3. Tung Lung Chau
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/stXhNthoapvVsaEB6
Tung Lung Chau, or Tung Lung Island/Tung Lung To among locals, is a dream for adventurers who love the outdoors. A few activities you can do here are rock climbing, camping, hiking, and sightseeing.
If you’re planning to hike, do note that it’s best for those who are comfortable with moderate-difficulty trails. The circular loop is 9 km long, but the sight will surely compensate for the distance.
If you’re more interested in rock climbing though, you’re in for the challenge! It’s said to be the most challenging rock climbing spot in the entire Hong Kong.
As for camping, Tung Lung Chau is an ideal spot to spend the weekend in since it’s quite close to the city center. Some people even stay only overnight.
If you’re here to also go sightseeing, you shouldn’t miss our top 3 favorite views: the naval cave, the rock formations, and the ancient rock carving.
Pro tip:
If you want to make the most out of your visit to Tung Lung Chau by seeing as much as you can, the best way to do it is to go hiking. We suggest traveling counter-clockwise because this is the perfect route to be able to see the stunning sights here. You’ll also be able to reach the Nam Tong Peak where you can get the spectacular view of the whole island.
4. Po Toi
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/rDxkspFnpctpZ7As9
Going to Po Toi feels like being transported to ancient times. Examples of the stuff you see here would be the rock carvings that can be traced back to more than 3,000 years ago. Needless to say, seeing this is a must if you’re in Po Toi.
Other things you can do at Po Toi are sightseeing (get ready for the beautiful landscapes!) and hiking. There are three hiking trails that you can explore, each with a stunning view of the sea.
Pro tip:
We highly suggest eating at the Ming Kee Seafood Restaurant because each dish is served fresh. Additionally, all the meals we tried were quite delicious, which made our trip even more memorable.
5. Tap Mun
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/WCf2vwrT3W2yKs7ZA
As we dig deeper into this list, it’s impossible not to add Tap Mun. It’s a small island that you can easily explore in a day.
That isn’t to say that you can’t do a lot here! One of the highlights of our trip to Tap Mun was when we walked around Tap Mun Hoi Pong Street, where we saw a lot of interesting goods and food for sale.
If you want to get the most out of your trip, we suggest following the hiking trail that can be found at the end of this street. The trail will take you to several highlights that make Tap Mun a gem.
Pro tips:
If you find yourself in Tap Mun Hoi Pong, make sure to try the fried octopus balls!If you want a fantastic view of the sunset, head over to the Tap Mun Pier.
6. Yim Tin Tsai
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/i4cTQ85Hzo67FtURA
Yim Tin Tsai is another one that’s part of the Hong Kong Geopark. It’s considered an arts and culture village because of the numerous art installations sprinkled throughout the island.
Moreover, there’s an art festival called the Sai Kung Hoi Arts Festival that people can go to here. The first one was in November 2022 until January 2023 and people already seem to be planning to make it an annual thing.
Pro tip:
If you’re more interested in outdoor activities, there’s a circular hiking trail on the island. If you follow it, it will lead you to several highlights of Yim Tin Tsai such as the Jade-Girdle Bridge.
7. Sharp Island
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/sPavZXQGmDBxmKg56
Another Hong Kong UNESCO Geopark island, Sharp Island is the perfect place for a more relaxed outdoor adventure.
The hiking trails are quite short, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get the most out of Sharp Island. In fact, the trail from start to finish offers a breathtaking view of the ocean!
People also go here to go camping because there’s a camping site at the end of the beach. Be sure to keep this island in mind if you’re looking for a beautiful spot to go camping.
Pro tip:
It’s highly suggested to look up the information about the tidal levels before pushing forward with your trip. Safety first!
8. Green Egg Island
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/45NVWBBARGcqXETS7
Green Egg Island is where you can appreciate both the wonders of land and sea. This uninhibited island is just waiting to be explored. Most who go here enjoy their time by hiking and enjoying an unhindered view of the sparkling blue sea.
Since it’s small, it’s often overlooked by both locals and travelers. But as someone who has enjoyed their time there, we can say that this island might just surprise you.
Pro tip:
Some people make their way to this island by kayaking, so keep this option in mind if you’re planning to go to Green Egg Island!
9. Ap Chau
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/zojoBM7F2Sjatjjg9
Ap Chau or Duck Island is another island that’s part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Geopark. Most visitors go here to see Breccia, which is a beautiful rock formation in the island.
Though it’s small and uninhabited, there are other things to do here aside from hiking and sightseeing.
You have to try and visit the Ap Chau Story Room when you get the chance, by the way. It’s a museum that tells the history and life of Ap Chau’s inhabitants.
Pro tip:
There are several stores around the island where you can buy various drinks and snacks. If you want to visit them, it’s best to go to Ap Chau on the weekend – that’s when most stores are open.
10. Kat O
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/22eC5r7V2jdHFVBi7
Kat O is an island just next to Ap Chau. That’s why if you’re going to one, you might as well explore them both.
By the way, Kat O can also be called Crooked Island because of its shape.
Anyway, as you might’ve already guessed, this is another island that’s part of Hong Kong’s UNESCO Geopark. It’s known for its historical sites and scenic trails.
There’s a beautiful Tin Hau temple on the island that’s worth seeing. If you can go here during the Tin Hau festival (23rd day of the 3rd lunar month of the year), you’ll see how Kat O locals celebrate it.
Like Ap Chau, Kat O also has its own story room that’s also quite worth the visit.
Pro tip:
Hong Kong Geopark suggests allotting at least 4 hours when exploring this island. We also think this is ample time to see all the highlights of Kat O.
11. Soko Islands
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/cWu7LFL5prKrjioS7
The Soko Islands are a collection of islands situated in the furthest southwestern part of Hong Kong. This includes Siu A Chau and Tai A Chau along with several other small islands.
These are probably the quietest of the islands on our list. With that in mind, if you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong, you should definitely consider visiting Soko Islands.
Note that there have been several reports of Chinese White Dolphins in the area. If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot them as well!
Pro tip:
Going to the Soko Islands would require you to hire a private charter that would take you here. You can find these charters at the central ferry piers.
